My issue is I have made the mistake of financing everything out of pocket in the form of savings and two separate personal loans that have had the detrimental effect of both raising my dti and lowering my credit score by approximately 30+ points (was 700+).

I am wondering if I should continue doing this method or should I try something that is more effective? 

Much more cost-effective and much better conversion rates. 

All I had about $40K to my name and spent a good deal of time looking at properties, reading blogs, browsing Bigger Pockets, attending seminars.

As long as it can be done somewhat cost effectively.

It has an interesting effect on the brain over time.

You question probably requires a longer answer and some more context to your situation but I welcome you check out a few BP blogs I posted regarding STR/VR's here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/10042-vacation... 

I once had a guest who had to deal with a slab leak in our newly remodeled bathroom (not fun) that effected the use of the bathroom but after all was said and done, they saw how proactive we were in fixing the issue.

How does global volatility and demand for US paper relative to other fixed income options effect the long end of the yield curve? 

Scraping the property and replacing it with another home is possible, and what is a cost effective recommendation for a replacement.